Systems and methods include receiving Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) packets from a plurality of OSPF areas; sending self-generated OSPF packets to the plurality of OSPF areas; and filtering of the received OSPF packets such that received Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets from an OSPF area (are not forwarded to other OSPF areas. In an embodiment, the systems and methods can be used for a scalable OSPF deployment for management of a network, such as an optical network.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry the steps of: receiving Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) packets from a plurality of OSPF areas; sending self-generated OSPF packets to the plurality of OSPF areas; and filtering of the received OSPF packets such that received Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets from an OSPF area are not forwarded to other OSPF areas.
This invention relates to network routing protocols, specifically Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), which is used for dynamic routing in IP networks. The problem addressed is the uncontrolled propagation of Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets across OSPF areas, which can lead to unnecessary network traffic, scalability issues, and potential security risks. The invention provides a solution by implementing a filtering mechanism to prevent LSA packets from being forwarded between OSPF areas. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable instructions for a processor. The instructions enable the processor to receive OSPF packets from multiple OSPF areas and send self-generated OSPF packets to those areas. The key function is filtering received LSA packets such that LSAs originating from one OSPF area are not forwarded to other OSPF areas. This selective filtering ensures that area-specific routing information remains confined to its respective area, improving network efficiency and security. The invention also includes the capability to generate and send OSPF packets, allowing the system to actively participate in the routing process while maintaining strict control over LSA propagation. By preventing inter-area LSA forwarding, the system reduces unnecessary traffic and enhances the stability of the network. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks where multiple OSPF areas are deployed, as it helps maintain optimal routing performance and security.
2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of OSPF areas each have an arbitrarily selected OSPF area identifier, including where two of the OSPF areas have a same OSPF area identifier.
This invention relates to computer network routing, specifically addressing challenges in Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol implementations where multiple OSPF areas may share the same area identifier. In traditional OSPF networks, area identifiers are typically unique to prevent routing conflicts and ensure proper path selection. However, certain network configurations may require or benefit from non-unique area identifiers, such as in virtualized or multi-tenant environments where overlapping identifiers are desirable for operational simplicity or resource efficiency. The invention describes a system where a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions for managing OSPF areas with arbitrarily selected identifiers, including cases where two or more areas share the same identifier. The system includes a network device configured to process OSPF routing information, where the device is capable of handling overlapping area identifiers without causing routing conflicts. This is achieved through mechanisms that distinguish between areas with identical identifiers based on additional contextual information, such as network topology or administrative boundaries. The system ensures proper routing decisions are made despite the non-unique identifiers, maintaining network stability and performance. The invention also includes methods for configuring and operating such a network, where the OSPF areas are dynamically assigned identifiers that may or may not be unique. This flexibility allows for more adaptable network designs, particularly in scenarios where strict identifier uniqueness is impractical or unnecessary. The solution ensures compatibility with existing OSPF standards while extending functionality to support non-unique area identifiers.
3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein, for Database Description (DD) packets, only self-generated LSAs are attached thereto.
A system and method for managing database description (DD) packets in a network routing protocol, such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), ensures efficient and accurate routing information exchange. The problem addressed is the potential for unnecessary or redundant routing data to be included in DD packets, which can lead to inefficiencies in network communication and processing overhead. The solution involves selectively attaching only self-generated Link-State Advertisements (LSAs) to DD packets, rather than including all available LSAs. This selective attachment reduces the size of DD packets, minimizes bandwidth usage, and improves processing efficiency by avoiding the transmission of irrelevant or outdated routing information. The system operates by identifying LSAs that were generated by the local router and attaching only those to the DD packets before transmission. This ensures that only the most relevant and up-to-date routing information is exchanged, enhancing network performance and reliability. The method is particularly useful in large-scale networks where efficient routing data exchange is critical for optimal operation.
4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the filtering includes preventing flooding except for LSA packets that need to be flooded back out a receiving interface.
A system and method for optimizing network traffic in a computer network, particularly in link-state routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), addresses the problem of excessive flooding of Link-State Advertisement (LSA) packets, which can congest network links and degrade performance. The invention involves a filtering mechanism that selectively prevents unnecessary flooding of LSA packets while ensuring critical packets that must be retransmitted back out the receiving interface are still propagated. This selective filtering reduces network overhead by avoiding redundant transmissions of LSAs that do not require further propagation, thereby improving efficiency and reliability in dynamic routing environments. The system dynamically evaluates LSA packets to determine whether they should be flooded or suppressed, based on routing protocol rules and network conditions. This approach minimizes unnecessary traffic while maintaining accurate and up-to-date routing information across the network. The solution is implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, ensuring persistent and reliable execution of the filtering logic. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale networks where excessive LSA flooding can lead to inefficiencies and potential routing instability.
5. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the steps include communicating to a router connected to a data communication network; and communicating to a management plane via a plurality of interfaces each connected to an associated area of the plurality of OSPF areas.
This invention relates to network management systems for Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocols in data communication networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient communication between a network management system and multiple OSPF areas within a network, particularly when managing routing information across different network segments. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform steps for managing OSPF areas in a network. These steps include communicating with a router connected to a data communication network and interfacing with a management plane through multiple interfaces. Each interface is connected to an associated area within a plurality of OSPF areas, enabling the management system to interact with different network segments independently. This allows for centralized control and monitoring of routing information across diverse network regions while maintaining the hierarchical structure of OSPF. The system ensures that routing data can be collected, processed, and distributed efficiently across the network, improving network performance and reliability. By using separate interfaces for each OSPF area, the management plane can handle routing updates and configuration changes without disrupting other areas, enhancing scalability and fault isolation. This approach is particularly useful in large, complex networks where multiple OSPF areas are deployed to optimize routing and reduce administrative overhead.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the management plane is associated with a network that includes a plurality of network elements.
A system for managing network elements in a distributed network environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently coordinating and controlling multiple network elements, such as routers, switches, or other devices, to ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability. The management plane operates as a centralized control layer that interfaces with the network elements to monitor, configure, and manage their operations. This includes tasks such as traffic routing, policy enforcement, and fault detection. The management plane may also support automation, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on real-time network conditions. The system ensures that network elements operate cohesively, reducing manual intervention and improving overall network reliability. The solution is particularly useful in large-scale networks where centralized management is essential for maintaining efficiency and security. The management plane may communicate with network elements using standardized protocols or proprietary interfaces, depending on the network architecture. The system may also include features for logging, reporting, and analytics to provide insights into network performance and potential issues. By integrating these capabilities, the system enables proactive management of network resources, enhancing both operational efficiency and user experience.
7. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the communicating to the router is via Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) for communication to a Network Management System (NMS).
This invention relates to network management systems (NMS) and methods for communicating network topology information. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable communication of network routing data between routers and a central NMS. The solution involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable a router to communicate network topology information to an NMS using the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). BGP is a standardized protocol for exchanging routing information between autonomous systems, ensuring interoperability and scalability. The instructions also include receiving network topology information from other routers, processing this data to update the local routing table, and dynamically adjusting routing decisions based on the received information. The system ensures real-time synchronization of network topology data across multiple routers, improving network reliability and performance. The use of BGP ensures compatibility with existing network infrastructure and simplifies integration with other network management tools. This approach enhances the ability of an NMS to monitor and manage large-scale networks by providing accurate and up-to-date routing information.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the communicating to the management plane is via any of an Optical Service Channel (OSC), the data communications network, and via an Internal Local Area Network (ILAN) interface associated with the network element.
This invention relates to communication methods in optical network systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient and flexible communication between network elements and a management plane. The system involves a network element that communicates with a management plane using multiple communication channels, including an Optical Service Channel (OSC), a data communications network, or an Internal Local Area Network (ILAN) interface. The OSC is an optical supervisory channel used for control and monitoring in optical networks, while the data communications network provides a separate data path for management traffic. The ILAN interface enables direct local communication within the network element. The invention ensures reliable and redundant communication paths, allowing the management plane to monitor and control the network element even if one communication channel fails. This redundancy improves network resilience and operational efficiency by ensuring continuous management access. The system is particularly useful in optical networks where maintaining uninterrupted management communication is critical for performance and reliability.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the network element is a Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (ROADM).
A system and method for managing optical network elements, particularly Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs), in a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) network. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently configuring and monitoring optical network devices to optimize performance and reduce operational complexity. The system includes a network element, such as a ROADM, which dynamically adjusts optical signal routing and wavelength selection based on network demands. The ROADM integrates with a control plane to automate provisioning, fault detection, and traffic management. The system also supports software-defined networking (SDN) principles, allowing centralized control and programmability of the ROADM's optical components. The invention further includes mechanisms for real-time performance monitoring, enabling proactive adjustments to maintain signal integrity and minimize latency. By leveraging the ROADM's reconfigurable capabilities, the system enhances flexibility in optical network operations, supporting dynamic bandwidth allocation and rapid service provisioning. The solution improves network efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and ensures reliable optical signal transmission in high-capacity WDM networks.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of OSPF areas include a local domain at a site where the ROADM is configured and a domain on an Optical Multiplex Section (OMS) connected to a degree associated with the ROADM, and wherein a network element on the local domain is unreachable to another network element on the domain on the OMS.
This invention relates to optical networking, specifically to routing protocols in Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) networks. The problem addressed is the lack of visibility and reachability between network elements in different Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) areas within an optical network, particularly when a ROADM is involved. The solution involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for managing OSPF areas in a ROADM-based optical network. The network includes multiple OSPF areas, such as a local domain at the ROADM site and a domain on an Optical Multiplex Section (OMS) connected to a degree of the ROADM. The key feature is that network elements in the local domain are unreachable to those in the OMS domain, ensuring isolation between these areas. The instructions enable the ROADM to configure and manage these OSPF areas, ensuring proper routing while maintaining separation between domains. This approach improves network segmentation and security by preventing unauthorized or unintended communication between isolated domains. The solution is particularly useful in large-scale optical networks where different domains must operate independently while sharing a common ROADM infrastructure.
11. A controller comprising: at least one processor and memory comprising instructions, when executed on the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) packets from a plurality of OSPF areas, send self-generated OSPF packets to the plurality of OSPF areas, and filter the received OSPF packets such that received Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets from an OSPF area are not forwarded to other OSPF areas.
This invention relates to network routing, specifically to a controller that manages Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocols across multiple OSPF areas. The problem addressed is the need to prevent the propagation of Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets between different OSPF areas, which can lead to routing inconsistencies or security vulnerabilities. The controller includes at least one processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the processor to receive OSPF packets from multiple OSPF areas and send self-generated OSPF packets to those areas. The controller filters received LSA packets such that LSAs originating from one OSPF area are not forwarded to other OSPF areas. This filtering ensures that routing information remains isolated between areas, improving network stability and security. The controller may also generate and distribute its own OSPF packets to maintain routing consistency within the network. The invention is designed for use in networks where OSPF is deployed across multiple areas, particularly in scenarios requiring strict area boundary enforcement. By preventing LSA propagation between areas, the controller helps maintain proper hierarchical routing and prevents unintended routing updates from affecting other parts of the network. This approach is useful in large-scale networks where different OSPF areas must operate independently while still being managed by a centralized controller.
12. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of OSPF areas each have an arbitrarily selected OSPF area identifier, including where two of the OSPF areas have a same OSPF area identifier.
This invention relates to network routing, specifically improving the scalability and flexibility of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocols in large or complex networks. The problem addressed is the traditional limitation of OSPF, where area identifiers must be unique across the network, which can lead to inefficiencies in large-scale deployments or when integrating multiple autonomous systems. The invention describes a controller for managing OSPF areas within a network. The controller allows each OSPF area to have an arbitrarily selected area identifier, including cases where multiple areas share the same identifier. This eliminates the requirement for globally unique area identifiers, enabling more flexible network design and easier integration of separate OSPF domains. The controller ensures proper routing by maintaining distinct routing information for each area, even when identifiers overlap, preventing conflicts or misrouting. The system includes mechanisms to handle overlapping identifiers by associating each area with additional context or metadata, such as domain-specific prefixes or administrative boundaries. This allows the network to distinguish between areas with identical identifiers while maintaining efficient routing. The controller also dynamically adjusts routing tables to reflect changes in area configurations, ensuring consistent performance even as the network evolves. This approach is particularly useful in large-scale networks, multi-domain environments, or scenarios where legacy systems with conflicting identifiers must coexist. By relaxing the uniqueness constraint on OSPF area identifiers, the invention simplifies network management and improves scalability.
13. The controller of claim 11 , wherein, for Database Description (DD) packets, only self-generated LSAs are attached thereto.
A system for managing network routing information involves a controller that processes and distributes Link State Advertisements (LSAs) within a network. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently disseminating routing updates while minimizing unnecessary data transmission. The controller generates LSAs based on network topology changes and ensures that only self-generated LSAs are attached to Database Description (DD) packets. This selective attachment prevents redundant or outdated LSAs from being propagated, improving network efficiency and reducing bandwidth usage. The controller also handles the synchronization of routing databases between network nodes, ensuring consistency across the network. By attaching only self-generated LSAs to DD packets, the system avoids unnecessary processing of external LSAs, which may be outdated or irrelevant to the current network state. This approach optimizes the distribution of routing information, particularly in dynamic network environments where frequent topology changes occur. The controller's functionality includes generating LSAs, filtering LSAs for attachment to DD packets, and managing the exchange of routing information between network nodes. The system is designed to enhance the reliability and performance of network routing protocols by ensuring that only relevant and up-to-date LSAs are propagated.
14. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the filtering includes preventing flooding except for LSA packets that need to be flooded back out a receiving interface.
A system for managing network traffic in a computer network, particularly in scenarios where excessive flooding of Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets can degrade performance. The system includes a controller that filters network traffic to prevent flooding, except for specific LSA packets that must be retransmitted out of the same interface they were received on. This selective filtering ensures efficient network operation by reducing unnecessary traffic while maintaining critical communication paths. The controller operates within a network device, such as a router or switch, and dynamically adjusts filtering rules based on network conditions. The filtering mechanism distinguishes between different types of LSA packets, allowing only those that require retransmission to pass through, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing congestion. The system is particularly useful in large-scale networks where uncontrolled flooding can lead to inefficiencies and performance degradation. By selectively permitting only necessary LSA packet retransmissions, the controller enhances network reliability and scalability. The invention addresses the problem of excessive flooding in network protocols, such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), where LSA packets are used to disseminate routing information. The controller's filtering logic ensures that only essential packets are retransmitted, preventing unnecessary network overhead while maintaining accurate routing updates. This approach improves overall network efficiency and reduces the risk of congestion-related failures.
15. The controller of claim 11 , wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to communicate to a router connected to a data communication network, and communicate to a management plane via a plurality of interfaces each connected to an associated area of the plurality of OSPF areas.
This invention relates to network management in an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing environment. The problem addressed is the need for efficient communication between a controller and multiple OSPF areas within a data communication network. The solution involves a controller that manages routing information across these areas while interfacing with a router and a management plane. The controller communicates with the router, which is connected to the data communication network, to facilitate data exchange. Additionally, the controller interfaces with a management plane through multiple interfaces, each linked to a specific OSPF area. This allows the controller to monitor and control routing operations across different OSPF areas independently. The system ensures seamless integration between the controller, the router, and the management plane, optimizing network performance and routing efficiency. The invention improves scalability and reliability in large-scale OSPF networks by enabling centralized management of routing protocols across multiple areas.
16. A method comprising: receiving Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) packets from a plurality of OSPF areas; sending self-generated OSPF packets to the plurality of OSPF areas; and filtering of the received OSPF packets such that received Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets from an OSPF area are not forwarded to other OSPF areas.
This invention relates to network routing, specifically improving the handling of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) packets in a multi-area OSPF network. The problem addressed is the uncontrolled propagation of Link State Advertisement (LSA) packets between OSPF areas, which can lead to unnecessary network traffic, processing overhead, and potential security risks. The method involves receiving OSPF packets from multiple OSPF areas and sending self-generated OSPF packets to those areas. A key feature is the selective filtering of received LSA packets to prevent their forwarding between OSPF areas. This ensures that LSAs originating in one area remain confined to that area, reducing inter-area traffic and improving network efficiency. The method may also include generating and distributing OSPF packets to maintain routing information within each area while enforcing the filtering rules. By restricting LSA propagation, the invention enhances network scalability, reduces processing load on routers, and mitigates risks associated with unauthorized or malicious LSA dissemination. The approach is particularly useful in large or complex networks where uncontrolled LSA flooding could degrade performance. The filtering mechanism can be implemented in network devices such as routers or dedicated OSPF area border routers.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of OSPF areas each have an arbitrarily selected OSPF area identifier, including where two of the OSPF areas have a same OSPF area identifier.
This invention relates to Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) network routing, specifically addressing the challenge of managing OSPF areas with non-unique area identifiers. In OSPF, areas are typically assigned unique identifiers to prevent routing conflicts, but this can complicate network design and scalability. The invention enables OSPF areas to use arbitrarily selected identifiers, including cases where multiple areas share the same identifier, without causing routing errors or instability. The method involves configuring OSPF routers to recognize and handle overlapping or duplicate area identifiers by implementing additional logic to distinguish between areas despite identical identifiers. This allows for more flexible network segmentation and easier management of large-scale OSPF deployments. The solution ensures that routing protocols function correctly even when area identifiers are not globally unique, improving network adaptability and reducing administrative overhead. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where legacy systems or merged networks require non-unique area identifiers while maintaining reliable routing operations.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein, for Database Description (DD) packets, only self-generated LSAs are attached thereto.
A system and method for managing database description (DD) packets in a network routing protocol, such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), addresses the inefficiency of transmitting unnecessary link-state advertisements (LSAs) during database synchronization. In OSPF, routers exchange DD packets to synchronize their link-state databases, but conventional methods attach all LSAs, including those received from other routers, which increases bandwidth usage and processing overhead. The invention optimizes this process by ensuring that only self-generated LSAs are attached to DD packets. This reduces redundant transmissions, conserves network resources, and improves synchronization efficiency. The method applies to both initial database exchanges and subsequent updates, ensuring that only locally originated LSAs are included in DD packets. By filtering out non-self-generated LSAs, the system minimizes unnecessary data exchange while maintaining accurate routing information. This approach is particularly beneficial in large or congested networks where bandwidth and processing efficiency are critical. The invention enhances OSPF performance by streamlining database synchronization without compromising routing accuracy.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein the filtering includes preventing flooding except for LSA packets that need to be flooded back out a receiving interface.
A method for optimizing network traffic in a computer network, particularly in link-state routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), addresses the problem of excessive flooding of Link-State Advertisement (LSA) packets. In such networks, routers exchange LSA packets to maintain consistent routing information, but this can lead to unnecessary flooding, consuming bandwidth and processing resources. The method filters LSA packets to prevent flooding, except when an LSA packet must be sent back out the same interface from which it was received. This selective flooding ensures that only necessary LSA packets are propagated, reducing network congestion while maintaining routing accuracy. The filtering process may involve checking LSA packet attributes, such as sequence numbers or origin, to determine whether flooding is required. This approach improves network efficiency by minimizing redundant transmissions while ensuring critical routing updates are still distributed correctly. The method is particularly useful in large or complex networks where excessive LSA flooding can degrade performance.
20. The method of claim 16 , further comprising communicating to a router connected to a data communication network; and communicating to a management plane via a plurality of interfaces each connected to an associated area of the plurality of OSPF areas.
This invention relates to network management in an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing environment. The problem addressed is the need for efficient communication between a network device and a management plane across multiple OSPF areas, ensuring proper routing and control in a segmented network. The method involves a network device that operates within an OSPF-based data communication network, which is divided into multiple OSPF areas. The device is configured to establish and maintain routing information for these areas, ensuring optimal data flow. Additionally, the device communicates with a router connected to the network, facilitating dynamic routing updates and path selection. A key aspect of the invention is the communication with a management plane through multiple interfaces. Each interface is dedicated to a specific OSPF area, allowing the management plane to monitor, configure, and control routing operations within that area independently. This modular approach improves scalability and fault isolation, as issues in one area do not necessarily affect others. The method also includes exchanging routing information with the management plane, enabling centralized oversight while maintaining distributed control. This ensures that the network remains resilient and adaptable to changes in topology or traffic demands. The invention enhances network performance by optimizing routing decisions and reducing management overhead.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
February 16, 2021
March 22, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.